Tottenham Hotspur v Nottingham Forest tips – back Tricky Trees

Nottingham Forest winning against Spurs this evening would be described by the media as a shock although the reality is that you have the best team outside the Premier League facing a second string Tottenham team playing for first-team places.

Stuart Pearce voiced early concern with a couple of players being sold behind his back although the former England international has got down to business at the City Ground, with Forest sitting pretty at the top of the Championship.

Saturday’s goalless draw at Millwall was a rare occasion where the team drew a blank although Britt Assombalonga has been previously scoring for fun and will look forward to facing a Tottenham side who are without a win in their last four matches.

At odds of 4/1, Forest simply have to be backed with bet365 and they are yet to experience defeat this season, with Mauricio Pochettino looking ahead to Saturday’s clash against Manchester City so we can be sure that certain players will be rested for this fixture.

William Hill offer a best price 3/4 about a Tottenham win and Spurs do have a big squad at their disposal although the performances of Arsenal and Liverpool on Tuesday night illustrated that a rotated squad doesn’t result in the same level of performance.

Michael Mancienne has come in for special praise from manager Pearce ahead of the clash and the defender can help Forest achieve a positive result.

“Pound for pound, what we have paid for him is a fantastic outlay, it really is,” said Pearce.

“He was immense on Saturday and, in my opinion, he is the best defender in this league.

“He is a fantastic man and a really fantastic professional footballer. He is really low maintenance.”

“I think the crowd have seen, straightaway, how good he is,” said Pearce. “He has gained the respect of the crowd and of the other players on the training ground, just through what he does on the football pitch.

“He is not the most vocal of players, or even as a person. But he delivers performances on the football pitch.

“He demonstrates a level of professionalism, both on and off the pitch, that I am very proud of.

“I am proud to have brought somebody of his ilk to this football club.”